Carton For Food Product

ABSTRACT

A carton for holding a plurality of articles. The carton includes a plurality of panels that at least partially form an interior of the carton. In a first configuration of the carton, the carton contains at least one article containing a plurality of food products. The carton has features for converting the carton to a second configuration wherein the carton is converted to a serving tray for serving the plurality of food products.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATIONS

This application claims the benefit of U.S. Provisional PatentApplication No. 62/071,765, filed Oct. 2, 2014 and U.S. ProvisionalPatent Application No. 62/123,722, filed Nov. 25, 2014.

INCORPORATION BY REFERENCE

The disclosure of U.S. Provisional Patent Application No. 62/071,765,filed Oct. 2, 2014 and U.S. Provisional Patent Application No.62/123,722, filed Nov. 25, 2014 are hereby incorporated by reference asif presented herein in their entirety.

BACKGROUND OF THE DISCLOSURE

The present disclosure relates to packages or cartons for holding andcarrying food products or containers holding food products.

SUMMARY OF THE DISCLOSURE

In general, one aspect of the disclosure is generally directed to acarton for holding a plurality of articles. A carton comprises aplurality of panels that extends at least partially around an interiorof the carton. In a first configuration of the carton, the cartoncontains at least one article containing a plurality of food products.The carton has features for converting the carton to a secondconfiguration wherein the carton is converted to a serving tray forserving the plurality of food products.

In another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a carton thatcan be converted from a holder containing the containers holding thefood products, to a serving container for holding the plurality of foodproducts that have been removed from the containers.

In another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a carton thatcan hold a plurality of food products and the carton can be insertedinto the container. The carton with the food products can be removedfrom the container for serving of the food products to consumers.

In another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a carton thatcan hold a plurality of food products. The carton has dispensingfeatures for dispensing the food products from the carton.

In another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a blank forforming a carton. The blank comprises a plurality of panels for formingan interior of a carton formed from the blank. In a first configurationof the carton formed from the blank, the carton contains at least onearticle containing a plurality of food products. The carton formed fromthe blank has features for converting the carton to a secondconfiguration wherein the carton is converted to a serving tray forserving the plurality of food products.

In another aspect, the disclosure is generally directed to a method offorming a carton that is positionable between a first configuration anda second configuration. The method comprises obtaining a cartoncomprising a plurality of panels and positioning the carton in the firstconfiguration wherein the plurality of panels extends at least partiallyaround an interior of the carton. The method further comprises placingat least one article containing a plurality of food products in theinterior of the carton in the first configuration and activatingfeatures of the carton to position the carton in a second configurationwherein the at least one article is removed from the interior and thecarton is converted to a serving tray for serving the plurality of foodproducts.

Those skilled in the art will appreciate the above stated advantages andother advantages and benefits of various additional embodiments readingthe following detailed description of the embodiments with reference tothe below-listed drawing figures.

According to common practice, the various features of the drawingsdiscussed below are not necessarily drawn to scale. Dimensions ofvarious features and elements in the drawings may be expanded or reducedto more clearly illustrate the embodiments of the disclosure.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 is an exterior plan view of a blank for forming a cartonaccording to a first embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a perspective view of the carton in a first configurationformed from the blank of FIG. 1.

FIG. 3 is a perspective view of the carton in a second configurationformed from the blank of FIG. 1.

FIG. 4 is an exterior plan view of a blank for forming a cartonaccording to a second embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 5A is a perspective view of the carton in a first configurationformed from the blank of FIG. 4.

FIG. 5B is a front perspective view of the carton of FIG. 5A.

FIG. 6 is a front perspective view of the carton in a secondconfiguration formed from the blank of FIG. 4.

FIG. 7 is a perspective view of the carton in of FIG. 6.

FIG. 8 is an exterior plan view of a blank for forming a cartonaccording to a third embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 9 is a perspective view of the carton in a first configurationformed from the blank of FIG. 8.

FIG. 10 is a perspective view of the carton in a second configurationformed from the blank of FIG. 8.

FIG. 11 is an exterior plan view of a blank for forming a cartonaccording to a fourth embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 12 is a perspective view of the carton in a first configurationformed from the blank of FIG. 11.

FIG. 13 is a perspective view of the carton in a second configurationformed from the blank of FIG. 11.

FIG. 14 is an exterior plan view of a blank for forming a cartonaccording to a fifth embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 15 is a perspective view of the carton in a first configurationformed from the blank of FIG. 14.

FIG. 16 is a perspective view of the carton in a second configurationformed from the blank of FIG. 14.

FIG. 17 is an exterior plan view of a blank for forming a cartonaccording to a sixth embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 18 is a perspective view of the carton in a first configurationformed from the blank of FIG. 17.

FIG. 19 is a front perspective view of the carton of FIG. 18.

FIG. 20 is a front perspective view of the carton in a secondconfiguration formed from the blank of FIG. 17.

FIG. 21 is an exterior plan view of a blank for forming a cartonaccording to a seventh embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 22 is a perspective view of the carton in a first configurationformed from the blank of FIG. 21.

FIG. 23 is a front perspective view of the carton of FIG. 22

FIG. 24 is a perspective view of the carton in a second configurationformed from the blank of FIG. 21.

FIG. 25 is a front perspective view of the carton of FIG. 24.

FIG. 26 is an exterior plan view of a blank for forming a cartonaccording to an eighth embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 27 is a perspective view of the two cartons in a firstconfiguration formed from the blank of FIG. 26.

FIG. 28 is a perspective view of the carton in a second configurationformed from the blank of FIG. 26.

FIG. 29 is an exterior plan view of a blank for forming a cartonaccording to a ninth embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 30 is a perspective view of the carton in a first configurationformed from the blank of FIG. 29.

FIG. 31 is a perspective view of the carton in a second configurationformed from the blank of FIG. 29.

FIG. 32 is an exterior plan view of a blank for forming a cartonaccording to a tenth embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 33 is an exterior plan view of a blank for forming a cartonaccording to an eleventh embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 34 is a perspective view of the carton in a first configurationformed from the blank of FIG. 33.

FIGS. 35-37 are perspective views of the carton in a secondconfiguration formed from the blank of FIG. 33.

FIG. 38 is an exterior plan view of a blank for forming a cartonaccording to a twelfth embodiment of the disclosure.

FIGS. 39-42 illustrate an exemplary method of employing the cartonformed from the blank of FIG. 38.

FIG. 43 is an exterior plan view of a blank for forming a cartonaccording to a thirteenth embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 44 is a front perspective view of two cartons formed from the blankof FIG. 43.

FIG. 45 is a perspective view of one carton formed from the blank ofFIG. 43 removed from a container.

FIG. 46 is an exterior plan view of a blank for forming a cartonaccording to a fourteenth embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 47 is a perspective view of the carton in a first configurationformed from the blank of FIG. 46.

FIG. 48 is a perspective view of the carton in a second configurationformed from the blank of FIG. 46.

FIG. 49 is an exterior plan view of a blank for forming a cartonaccording to a fifteenth embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 50 is a perspective view of the carton formed from the blank ofFIG. 49.

FIG. 51 is an exterior plan view of a blank for forming a cartonaccording to a sixteenth embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 52 is a perspective view of the carton formed from the blank ofFIG. 51.

FIG. 53 is an exterior plan view of a blank for forming a cartonaccording to a seventeenth embodiment of the disclosure.

FIG. 54A is a perspective view of the carton in a first configurationformed from the blank of FIG. 53.

FIG. 54B is a perspective view of the carton in a second configurationformed from the blank of FIG. 53.

FIG. 55 is a perspective view of the carton of FIG. 54A.

Corresponding parts are designated by corresponding reference numbersthroughout the drawings.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION OF THE EXEMPLARY EMBODIMENTS

Cartons or packages according to the present disclosure can accommodatearticles of numerous different shapes. The present disclosure generallyrelates to a carton or container that may contain products such as foodproducts (e.g., chips) or any other suitable product. The carton maycontain containers (e.g., canisters) containing the food products or thecarton may contain the food products. In some embodiment, the carton cancontain a liner containing the food products. In some embodiment, thecarton containing the food products may be placed inside the container(e.g., canister) used for packaging the food products. In someembodiment, the carton has dispensing features for dispensing the foodproducts. For the purpose of illustration and not for the purpose oflimiting the scope of the disclosure, the following detailed descriptiondescribes articles at least partially disposed within the cartonembodiments. In this specification, the terms “lower,” “bottom,”“upper”, “top”, “front”, and “back” indicate orientations determined inrelation to fully erected cartons. In one embodiment, the articles heldin the carton can be food products, but the articles could be othernonfood products without departing from the disclosure.

FIGS. 1-3 illustrate an exterior side 1 of a blank 3 for forming acarton 5 according to a first embodiment of the disclosure. FIG. 1 is aplan view of an exterior surface 1 of the blank 3 used to form thecarton 5 (FIG. 2) of one embodiment of the disclosure. The blank 3 has alongitudinal axis L1 extending generally in the direction of the lengthof the blank and a lateral axis L2 extending generally in the directionof the width of the blank. The blank 3 includes a bottom panel 11, afront panel 13 foldably connected to the bottom panel along fold line14, a back panel 15 foldably connected to the bottom panel along foldline 16, a first side panel 17 foldably connected to the bottom panelalong fold line 18, and a second side panel 19 foldably connected to thebottom panel along fold line 20. In one embodiment the blank comprisesclosure flaps 23, 25, 27, 29 foldably connected to the respective panels13, 15, 17,19 along fold lines 33, 35, 37, 39 and corner flaps 43, 45,47, 49 foldably connected to the respective panels 13, 15, 17,19 alongfold lines 53, 55, 57, 59.

The closure flaps 23, 25, 27, 29 and the corner flaps 43, 45, 47, 49 atleast partially overlap to form the carton 5 from the blank 3. Asillustrated in FIG. 1, the closure flaps include a fold line 61. Thefold line 61 may define an adhesive (e.g., glue) area “g”, where glue orother adhesive may be applied to hold the closure flap in the closedposition.

In one embodiment, the corner flaps 43, 45, 47, 49 includes a firstportion 43 a, 45 a, 47 a, 49 a and a second portion 43 b, 45 b, 47 b, 49b foldably connected to the first portion along respective oblique foldlines 63, 65, 67, 69. Each of corner flaps 43, 45, 47, 49 has an outerfree edge 73, 75, 77, 79 that may have a slight concave curvature withrespect to the bottom panel 11. However, the outer free edges 73, 75,77, 79 may be substantially straight, have a convex curvature, or havemore or less curvature without departing from the disclosure. In oneembodiment, each of the second portions 43 b, 45 b, 47 b, 49 b mayinclude rounded corners 72, 74, 76, 78 adjacent a hook or projection 81extending outwardly from the respective outer free edges 73, 75, 77, 79of the corner flaps. Further, each of second portions 43 b, 45 b, 47 b,49 b may have a cutout or indentation 82 adjacent the rounded corner andalong the side edges 83, 85, 87, 89 of the respective corner flaps 43,45, 47, 49. The cutout 82 may have a semi-circular shape or any othershape that conforms to the shape of the glue area without departing fromthe disclosure. In one embodiment, the fold lines 33, 35, 37, 39 mayinclude a cut 33 a, 35 a, 37 a, 39 a and when the carton is positionedto form the serving tray, the projections 81 may extend into the cutspreventing further movement.

When the carton is formed from the blank, the side panels 17, 19, frontpanel 13, and back panel 15 are folded relative to the bottom panel 11and the corner flaps 43, 47, 45, 49 are positioned in face-to-facecontact with the respective adjacent panel 19, 17, 13, 15 to form theinterior space 36 of the carton 5. The closure flaps 23, 25, 27, 29 arefolded about fold lines 33, 35, 37, 37 and positioned in face-to-facecontact with the interior of the respective panel 23, 25, 27, 29. In oneembodiment, one container C or canister holding food product is insertedinto the interior space 36 of the carton 5. Further, one or more of thefront panel 13, back panel 15, and side panels 17, 19 can includeindicia such as advertisement or other information.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 1-3, the carton 5 can be an expandablepaperboard bowl capable of expanding by pulling at least one of thefront panel 13, the back panel 15, the first side panel 17 and thesecond side panel 19 from the first configuration as illustrated in FIG.2 to the second configuration as illustrated in FIG. 3. In the secondconfiguration, the interior space 36 of the carton is expanded and thecarton 5 can be used to serve the food product F after removal from thecontainers C. In the second configuration, the panels 13, 15, 17, 19 arefolded outward from the first configuration and the corner flaps 43, 45,47, 49 are positioned to form a corner of the carton between the panels13, 15, 17, 19. The blank 3 and carton 5 could have other features andcould be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or configured without departingfrom the disclosure.

FIGS. 4-7 illustrate an exterior side 101 of a blank 103 for forming acarton 105 according to a second embodiment of the disclosure. The blank103 includes a bottom panel 111, a front panel 113 foldably connected tothe bottom panel along fold line 114, a back panel 115 foldablyconnected to the bottom panel along fold line 116, a first side panel117 foldably connected to the bottom panel along fold line 118, and asecond side panel 119 foldably connected to the bottom panel along foldline 120. In one embodiment, the edges 113 a, 115 a, 117 a, 119 a, 411a, 411 b 411 c, 411 d of the corresponding respective front panel 113,back panel 115, first side panel 117, the second side panel 119, andbottom panel 111 have a width “w1”. The outer free edges 113 b, 115 b,117 b, 119 b corresponding to the respective front panel, back panel,first side panel and the second side panel have a width “w2”. In oneembodiment, the width “w1” is greater than the width “w2”.

As illustrated in FIG. 4, the blank 103 may include corner flaps 143,145 foldably connected to the first side panel along respective obliquefold lines 142, 144 and corner flaps 147, 149 are foldably connected tothe second side panel along respective oblique fold lines 146, 148. Eachof the corner flaps 143, 145, 147, 149 may include respective gussetpanels 153, 155, 157, 159 having a first portion 153 a, 155 a, 157 a,159 a foldably connected to a second portion 153 b, 155 b, 157 b, 159 balong a respective oblique fold line 163, 165, 167, 169. The secondportion of the gusset panels may be foldably connected to an attachmentpanel 173, 175, 177, 179 along respective oblique fold lines 183, 185,187, 189. In one embodiment the corner panels 143, 145, 147, 149 mayhave a curved edge 192, 194, 196, 198 without departing for thedisclosure.

In one exemplary method of forming the blank 103 into a carton 105, thefirst side panel 117 and the second side panel 119 are folded withrespect to the bottom panel 111 along fold lines 118, 120. The frontpanel 113 is folded along fold line 114 and positioned in face-to-facecontact with the attachment panels 173, 179 and the back panel 115 isfolded along fold line 116 and positioned in face-to-face contact withthe attachment panels 175, 177 to form an interior space 136 of thecarton. The gusset panels 153, 155, 157, 159 are folded along fold lines163, 165, 167, 169 and 183, 185, 187, 189 to form the carton in thefirst configuration (FIG. 5) wherein the upper portion 191 of the cartonis narrower than the lower portion 193. A container C may be placedinside the interior space 136 in the first configuration. In oneembodiment, the gusset panels 153, 155, 157, 159 may be adhered to therespective front or back panels 113, 115 to hold the carton 105 in thefirst configuration. Alternatively, no adhesive may be used or thecarton 105 may be held in the first configuration by frictional force ormechanical means including but not limited to an exterior wrap. Thecarton 105 can be converted to the second configuration (FIGS. 6 and 7)where the interior space 136 is expanded from the first configurationafter removing the container, unfolding the gusset panels 153, 155, 157,159, and positioning the panel 113, 115, 117, 119 to expand the interiorspace 136 of the carton in the second configuration.

FIG. 8 illustrates an exterior side 201 of a blank 203 for forming acarton 205, with an interior 236 (FIGS. 9 and 10), according to a thirdembodiment of the disclosure. The third embodiment is generally similarto the second embodiment, except for variations noted and variationsthat will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly,similar or identical features of the embodiments have been given like orsimilar reference numbers. As shown in FIG. 8, the each of the panels213, 215, 217, 219 are generally rectangular having a substantiallycontinuous width “w1” across the entire length “l1” of the panels 213,215, 217, 219. As illustrated in FIG. 8, the blank 203 has corner flaps143, 145 foldably connected to the first side panel 217 along respectivefold lines 242, 244 and corner flaps 147, 149 are foldably connected tothe second side panel along respective fold lines 246, 248. When theblank 203 is formed into a carton in the first configuration (FIG. 9),the upper portion 291 of the carton has generally the same width as thelower portion of the carton 293.

The blank 203 may be formed into a carton 205 in a manner substantiallysimilar to the blank 103 of the second embodiment and can be convertedfrom the first configuration (FIG. 9) to the second configuration (FIG.10) in a similar manner.

FIGS. 11-13 illustrate an exterior side 301 of a blank 303 for forming acarton 305 of a fourth embodiment of the disclosure. The fourthembodiment is generally similar to the first and third embodiments,except for variations noted and variations that will be apparent to oneof ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly, similar or identical featuresof the embodiments have been given like or similar reference numbers.The blank 303 includes a bottom panel 311, a front panel 313 foldablyconnected to the bottom panel along fold line 314, a back panel 315foldably connected to the bottom panel along fold line 316, a first sidepanel 317 foldably connected to the bottom panel along fold line 318,and a second side panel 319 foldably connected to the bottom panel alongfold line 320. Each of the front panel and the back panel may include anarcuate fold line 322, 324 beginning and ending at the bottom edges ofthe respective panels.

In one embodiment, the blank 303 has a first closure flap 323 foldablyconnected to the front panel 313 along fold line 333 and a secondclosure flap 325 foldably connected to the back panel 315 along foldline 335. The closure flaps 323, 325 may include a glue area “g” definedby lines of weakening 361. Each of the fold lines 333, 335 may includetwo cuts 333 a, 335 a therealong. As illustrated in FIG. 11, the blankcomprises corner flaps 343, 345 that are foldably connected to the firstside panel 317 along respective longitudinal fold lines 342, 344 andcorner flaps 347, 349 are foldably connected to the second side panel319 along respective longitudinal fold lines 346, 348.

As illustrated in FIG. 11, each of the corner flaps 343, 345, 347, 349include a first portion 343 a, 345 a, 347 a, 349 a foldably connected toa second portion 343 b, 345 b, 347 b, 349 b along oblique fold lines363, 365, 367, 369. Each of the second portions 343 b, 345 b, 347 b, 349b of the corner flaps comprises a respective side edge 383, 385, 387,389, a top edge 373, 375, 377, 379, and a rounded corner 372, 374, 376,378. Each of the side edges 383, 385, 387, 389 may have a cutout 82adjacent the respective rounded corner. The top edge 373, 375, 377, 379may have a protrusion or hook 81 extending outwardly from the respectivetop edge and generally adjacent the respective rounded corner 372, 374,376, 378.

In one exemplary method of forming the blank 303 into a carton 305, theside panels 317, 319 are folded with respect to the bottom panel 311along fold lines 318, 320 and the corner flaps 343, 345, 347, 349 arefolded approximately 90 degrees along respective fold lines 342, 344,346, 348. The front panel 313 and the back panel 315 are folded alongfold lines 314, 316 and positioned in face-to-face contact with therespective corner flaps 343, 345, 347, 349. The closure flap 323 isfolded along fold line 333 to at least partially overlap the cornerflaps 343, 349 and the closure flap 325 is folded along fold line 335 toat least partially overlap the corner flaps 345, 347 to form theinterior space 336 of the carton 305. Glue may be applied to the glueareas “g” of the closure flaps 323, 325. In one embodiment, twocontainers C or canisters holding food product are inserted into theinterior space 336 of the carton 305. In one embodiment, one or more ofthe front panel 313, back panel 315, and side panels 317, 319 includesindicia such as advertisement or other information.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 12-13, the carton 305 can be positioned in afirst configuration (FIG. 12) wherein the carton holds two containersand can be converted to a second or expanded configuration (FIG. 13)wherein carton 305 is filled with products F (e.g., chips) and used toserve the food product after removal from the containers C. The carton305 may be converted to the second configuration by applying force tothe side panels 317, 319 and sliding them outward until each of theprojections or hooks 81 extends through and received by the respectivecuts 333 a, 335 a. The outward folding of the side panels 317, 319expands the interior space 336 of the carton 305 in the secondconfiguration. The blank 303 and carton 305 could have other featuresand could be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or configured withoutdeparting from the disclosure.

FIG. 14 illustrates an exterior side 401 of a blank 403 for forming acarton 405, with an interior 436 (FIGS. 15-16), according to a fifthembodiment of the disclosure. The fifth embodiment is generally similarto the second and third embodiments, except for variations noted andvariations that will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.Accordingly, similar or identical features of the embodiments have beengiven like or similar reference numbers. The blank 403 includes a bottompanel 411, a front panel 413 foldably connected to the bottom panelalong fold line 414, a back panel 415 foldably connected to the bottompanel along fold line 416, a first side panel 217 foldably connected tothe bottom panel along fold line 118, and a second side panel 219foldably connected to the bottom panel along fold line 120. In oneembodiment, the edges 413 a, 413 b, 415 a, 415 b, 411 a, 411 b of thecorresponding respective front panel 113, back panel 115, and bottompanel 411 have a width “w3”. The edges 217 a, 217 b, 219 a, 219 b, 411b, 411 c of the corresponding respective first side panel 217, secondside panel 219, and bottom panel 411 have a width “w1”. In oneembodiment, the width “w3” is approximately twice the width of “w1”. Inone embodiment, each of the front panel 413 and the back panel 415 mayinclude a respective arcuate fold line 422, 424 beginning and ending atthe outer edges of the edge 413 a, 415 a of the respective panels 413,415.

In one embodiment the carton 405 of the fifth embodiment may be formedin a similar method, according to the second embodiment. As illustratedin FIGS. 15 and 16, the carton 405 can be positioned in a firstconfiguration wherein the carton holds two containers C and converted toa second or expanded configuration wherein interior space 436 of thecarton 405 is expanded and filled with products F (e.g., chips) so thatthat carton is used to serve the food product after removal from thecontainers C.

FIG. 17 illustrates an exterior side 501 of a blank 503 for forming acarton 505, with an interior 536 (FIGS. 18-20), according to a sixthembodiment of the disclosure. The sixth embodiment is generally similarto the second and the fifth embodiments, except for variations noted andvariations that will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art.Accordingly, similar or identical features of the embodiments have beengiven like or similar reference numbers. In one embodiment, the edges413 a, 415 a, 411 a, 411 b of the respective front panel 413, the backpanel 415, and the bottom panel 411 have a width “w3”. The outer edges413 b, 415 b of the respective front panel and the back panel have awidth “w4”. The width “w3” is greater than the width “w4”. Also, theedges 117 a, 119 a, 411 c, 411 d of the respective first side panel 117,the second side panel 119, and bottom panel 411 have a width “w1”. Theouter edges 117 b, 119 b of the respective first side panel and thesecond side panel have a width “w2”. In one embodiment, the width “w1”is greater than the width “w2”.

In one embodiment the carton 505 may be formed in a similar method,according to the exemplary method of the second embodiment. Asillustrated in FIGS. 18-20, the carton 505 can be converted from a firstconfiguration (FIGS. 18 and 19) wherein the carton holds two containersC to a second or expanded configuration wherein the containers C areremoved, the interior space 536 of the carton 505 is expanded, and thecarton is filled with products F (e.g., chips) and used to serve thefood product F after removal from the containers C.

FIGS. 21-25 illustrate an exterior side 601 of a blank 603 for forming acarton 605, with an interior 636 (FIGS. 22-25), according to a seventhembodiment of the disclosure. The blank 603 includes a bottom panel 611,a front panel 613 foldably connected to the bottom panel along fold line614, and a back panel 615 foldably connected to the bottom panel alongfold line 616. A side panel flap 617 is foldably connected to the bottompanel along fold line 618 and a side panel 619 is foldably connected tothe bottom panel along fold line 620. In one embodiment, the end flaps617, 619 comprise a respective fold line 628, 629 and have a distalportion with respective curved edge 617 a, 619 a that conforms to thecurved edge of the container C held in the carton. A first attachmentflap (broadly “corner flap”) 653 and a second attachment flap (broadly“corner flap”) 655 are foldably connected to the side panel 617 alongrespective fold lines 663, 665. A third attachment flap (broadly “cornerflap”) 637 and a fourth attachment flap (broadly “corner flap”) 659 arefoldably connected to the side panel 619 along fold lines 667, 669. Whenthe blank is formed into a carton, the side panel 617 forms a top end673 of the carton and the side panel 619 forms a bottom end 675 of thecarton in a first configuration (FIGS. 22 and 23).

In one embodiment, the front panel 613 and the back panel 615 each havefemale locking features (i.e. a plurality of cuts 681) and theattachment flaps 653, 655, 657, 659 have male locking features 682configured to mate with the female locking features in the respectivefront or back panels. The male locking features include a projection 682a defined by a notch or cutout 683 and edge of the respective attachmentflap 653, 655, 657, 659. As illustrated in FIG. 21, the notch 683 may begenerally near the respective corner 672, 674, 676, 678 of the flaps653, 655, 657, 659 and the notch extends diagonally or obliquely intothe attachment flap. In one embodiment, the corners and edges of thenotch may be rounded.

In one exemplary method of forming the blank 603 into a carton 605, thefront panel 613 and the back panel 615 are folded with respect to thebottom panel 611 along respective fold lines 614, 616 to for generally aright angle. The side panels 617, 619 are folded with respect to thebottom panel 611 along respective fold lines 618, 620 to form generallya right angle. The attachment flaps 653, 655, 657, 659 may be positionedin face-to-face contact and adhered to the respective front panel 613and back panel 615 to form a first configuration of the carton.Alternatively, the male locking features 682 a may be inserted into thefemale locking features 681 to form and hold the carton in the firstconfiguration. A container C may be inserted before or after closing theends 673, 675 of the carton 605. The carton 605 may be converted to thesecond configuration by moving the attachment flaps 653, 655, 657, 659and inserting the male locking features 682 a into the female lockingfeatures 681. In the second configuration, the side panels 617, 619 arepositioned at an acute angle θ relative to the horizontal axis “z” asshown in FIG. 25 to expand the interior space 636 of the carton 605. Inone embodiment the angle θ may range between 15 and 80 degrees, andpreferably between 30 and 60 degrees. Also, after removing the containerC from the carton 605, food products F from the container C can bearranged in the carton for serving to a consumer, as shown in FIGS.24-25.

FIGS. 26-28 illustrate an exterior side 701 of a blank 703 for forming acarton 705, with an interior 736 (FIGS. 27-28), according to an eighthembodiment of the disclosure. The eighth embodiment is generally similarto the seventh embodiment, except for variations noted and variationsthat will be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly,similar or identical features of the embodiments have been given like orsimilar reference numbers. The blank 703 includes a bottom panel 611, afront panel 713 foldably connected to the bottom panel along fold line614, and a back panel 615 foldably connected to the bottom panel alongfold line 616. A side panel 717 is foldably connected to the bottompanel along fold line 618 and a side panel 719 is foldably connected tothe bottom panel along fold line 620. In one embodiment, the side panels717, 719 comprise a respective fold line 728, 729 and have a distalportion with a respective curved edge 717 a, 719 a that conforms to thecurved edge of the container C held in the carton.

The blank 703 includes corner flaps 753, 757 foldably connected to thefront panel 713 along respective fold lines 763, 767 and corner flaps755, 759 are foldably connected to the back panel 715 along respectivefold lines 765, 767. As shown in FIG. 27, in one embodiment, two cartons705 can be arranged in a back-to-back configuration with the bottompanel 611 of each carton in face-to-face contact.

In one exemplary method of forming the blank 703 into a carton 705, thefront panel 713 and the back panel 715 are folded with respect to thebottom panel 611 along respective fold lines 614, 616. The side panels717 and 719 are folded along respective fold lines 618, 620 andpositioned in face-to face contact with the respective end the end flaps753, 755, 757, 759 to form the closed ends 773, 775 of the carton.Adhesive (e.g., glue) may be used to secure the end flaps together. Asshown in FIG. 27, in one embodiment, a container C can be inserted intothe carton. Also, after removing the container C from the carton, foodproducts F from the container C can be arranged in the carton forserving to a consumer, as shown in FIG. 28.

FIGS. 29-31 illustrate an exterior side 801 of a blank 803 for forming acarton 805, with an interior 836 (FIGS. 30-31), according to a ninthembodiment of the disclosure. The blank 803 includes a bottom panel 811,a front panel 813 foldably connected to the bottom panel along fold line814, and a back panel 815 foldably connected to the bottom panel alongfold line 816. In one embodiment, the front panel 813 and back panel 815have respective curved edges 823, 825. The curved edges include aconcave portion 823 a, 825 a and a convex portion 823 b, 825 b withrespect to the bottom panel. The concave portion and the convex portionmeet at a point generally indicated by arrows A1 and A2.

As illustrated in FIG. 29, end flaps 853, 857 are foldably connected tothe front panel 813 along respective fold lines 863, 867 and end flaps855, 859 are foldably connected to the back panel 815 along respectivefold lines 865, 869. The end flaps 857, 859 have a generally straightedge 857 a, 859 a extending from the edge of the respective convexportion 823 b, 825 b to a lateral free edge 857 b, 859 b. Each of theend flaps 857, 859 have rounded edges 857 c 857 d, 859 c, 859 d thatgenerally conform to the curvature of the containers when the blank isformed into a carton. In one embodiment, a tab 882 is foldably connectedto the end panel 859 along fold lines 879 and the tab extends betweenthe curved edges 859 c, 859 d. The end flap 857 may have a substantiallystraight longitudinal edge 857 e extending between the rounded edges 857c, 857 d.

In one embodiment, the end flaps 853, 855 have a generally oblique edge853 a, 855 a extending from the respective edge of the concave portion823 a, 825 a to a lateral free edge 853 b, 855 b. Each of the end flaps853, 855 have rounded edges 853 c, 853 d and 855 c, 855 d that generallyconform to the curvature of the containers when the blank is formed intoa carton. In one embodiment, a tab 883 is foldably connected to the endpanel 853 along respective fold lines 877 and the tab extends betweenthe curved edges 853 c, 853 d. The end flap 855 may have a substantiallystraight longitudinal edge 855 e extending between the rounded edges 855c, 855 d.

In one exemplary method of forming the blank 803 into a carton 805, thefront panel 813 and the back panel 815 are folded with respect to thebottom panel 811 to form an interior space 836 of the carton. The endflaps 853, 855 cooperated to close a first end 873 and the end flaps859, 859 cooperated to close a second end 875. The tabs 882 are foldedabout fold lines 877, 879 and adhered to the interior or the exterior ofthe bottom panel 811. In one embodiment, adhesive may be applied to theend panels.

As shown in FIG. 30, two containers C can be inserted into the interiorspace 836 of the carton 805 in a first configuration for shipping anddisplaying the containers for purchase at a point of sale location. Asshown in FIG. 31, the carton 805 can be converted to a secondconfiguration with the containers C removed from the carton and the foodproducts F removed from the containers and placed in the interior spaceof the carton 805 for serving to consumers of the products. In thesecond configuration, the carton 805 can be oriented to be a servingtray with the bottom panel 811 being supported on a surface and thefront panel 813, back panel 815, and the ends 853, 855, 857, 859 extendupwardly from the bottom panel.

In the embodiment of FIGS. 29-31, the carton 805 has a flat bottom orbottom panel 811 for stability, and a curved front panel 813 and backpanel 815 that extend from the bottom panel 811. The front panel 813 andback panel 815 have curved edges 895, 897 that generally conform to therounded corners 853 c, 853 d, 855 c, 855 d, 857 c, 857 d, 859 c, 859 dof the end flaps 853, 855, 857, 859. The carton 805 and blank 803 couldhave other features or could be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/orconfigured without departing from the disclosure.

FIG. 32 shows a blank 903 used to form a carton (not shown) of a tenthembodiment of the disclosure. The tenth embodiment is generally similarto the ninth embodiment, except for variations noted and variations thatwill be apparent to one of ordinary skill in the art. Accordingly,similar or identical features of the embodiments have been given like orsimilar reference numbers. End flaps 953, 857 are foldably connected tothe front panel 813 along respective fold lines 863, 867 and end flaps955, 959 are foldably connected to the back panel 815 along respectivefold lines 865, 869. The end flaps 953, 955 respectively have agenerally convex curved edge 953 a, 955 a extending from the respectiveedge of the concave portion 823 a, 825 a to a lateral free edge 953 b,955 b and the end flaps 957, 959 have a generally concave curved edge957 a, 959 a extending from the respective edge of the concave portion823 b, 825 b of the panels 813, 815.

In one embodiment, the end flaps 955, 959 have rounded edges 955 c, 955d and 959 c, 959 d that generally conform to the curvature of thecontainers when the blank is formed into a carton. In one embodiment,the end flaps 955, 959 may have a substantially straight longitudinaledge 955 e, 959 e extending between the respective rounded edges 955 c,955 d and 959 c, 959 d as shown in FIG. 32.

In one embodiment, the end panels 955, 959 have a first portion 956 a,960 a foldably connected to a second portion 956 b, 960 b alongrespective fold lines 962, 964. In one embodiment, tabs 883, 982 arefoldably connected to of the respective end panels 953, 957 alongrespective longitudinal fold lines 877, 979. Tabs 973, 975, 977, 979 arefoldably connected to respective end panels 953, 957 along respectivecurved fold lines 983, 985, 987, 989. In one embodiment, an end flap 990is foldably connected to the end panel 957 along fold line 991. The endflap 990 may have a convex curved edge 990 a as illustrated in FIG. 32.

In one exemplary method of forming the blank 803 into a carton (notshown), the front panel 813 and the back panels 815 are folded withrespect to the bottom panel 811 to form an interior space of the carton(not shown). The end flaps 953, 9553 cooperated to close a first end andthe end flaps 957, 959 cooperated to close a second end. The tabs 883,982 are folded about fold lines 877, 979 and adhered to the bottom panel811 and tabs 973, 975, 977, 979 may be adhered to respective front paneland back panel. In one embodiment, adhesive may be applied to the endpanels and tabs.

FIGS. 33-37 show a blank 1003 used to form a carton 1005 of an eleventhembodiment of the disclosure. In one embodiment, the blank 1003comprises a bottom panel 1011 and a plurality of side panels 1013respectively foldably connected to the bottom panel at respective foldlines 1015. In the illustrated embodiment, the bottom panel 1011 isoctagon-shaped and has eight sides, with a respective fold line 1015being located at each side connecting a respective one of the eight sidepanels. Also, the side panels 1013 are generally arcuate or pedal-shapedand adjacent side panels are separated by respective cuts 1017, but theside panels 1013 and/or the bottom panel 1011 could be otherwise shaped,arranged, and/or configured. The side panels 1013 can be positioned tooverlap and encircle a bottom portion of a container C, when the carton1005 and the container are in the first or shipping/displayconfiguration as shown in FIG. 34. When the chips F or other articles inthe container are accessed and desired to be consumed, the carton 1005can be converted to a second configuration in the form of a display tray(FIGS. 36-37) wherein the side panels 1013 are downwardly folded fromthe shipping/display configuration to increase the interior space 1021of the carton. In the second configuration, the chips F or otherarticles held in the container C can be removed from the container andplaced in the expanded interior space 1021 of the carton 1005 forserving and consumption. The carton 1005 can have other features and beotherwise shaped, arranged, and/or configured without departing from thedisclosure. The carton 1005 is sized to hold a single container C asshown in FIGS. 34 and 35, but the expandable carton 1005 could be sizedto hold two containers C, such as carton 305 of the fourth embodiment,or more than two containers, without departing from the disclosure.

FIGS. 33-36 show the carton 1005 with an optional inner liner L attachedto the inside surface of the carton. The liner L may be a film, foil,parchment paper, or any other suitable material for lining the interior1021 of the carton 1005 and holding the food product F. The liner Llines the inside of the expanded carton 1005 and receives the foodproducts F when the carton is converted for serving and consumption ofthe food product. As shown in FIG. 37, the liner L can be omitted fromthe carton 1005 without departing from the disclosure or the liner L.Also, the liner L and/or the carton 1005 can be otherwise shaped,arranged, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure.

FIGS. 38-42 show a blank 1103 used to form a carton 1105 of a twelfthembodiment of the disclosure. The blank 1103 includes a bottom panel1111, a front panel 1113 foldably connected to the bottom panel alongfold line 1114, and a back panel 1115 foldably connected to the bottompanel along fold line 1116. End flaps 1117, 1119 are foldably connectedto the bottom panel 1111 along respective fold lines 1118, 1120. Gussetpanels 1133, 1137 are foldably connected to the front panel 1113 alongfold lines 1143, 1147 and the respective end flap 1117, 1119 alongarcuate fold lines 1153, 1157. Gusset panels 1135, 1139 are foldablyconnected to the back panel 1115 along fold lines 1145, 1149 and therespective end flap 1117, 1119 along arcuate fold lines 1155, 1159. Thegusset panels 1133, 1135, 1137, 1139 may include a first portion 1133 a,1135 a, 1137 a, 1139 a foldably connected to a second portion 1133 b,1135 b, 1137 b, 1139 b along an oblique fold line 1163, 1165, 1167,1169. The oblique fold line may have a slight curvature as illustratedin FIG. 38. In one embodiment, the end flaps 1117, 1119 have a handleopening or aperture 1181 and a curved edge 1117 a, 1119 a that conformsto the curved edge of the container C. The fold lines 1153, 1155, 1157,1159 may also conform to the curved edge of the end flaps. In oneembodiment, the end flap 1117 and gusset panels 1133, 1135 form a firstend 1182 of the carton 1105 and the end flap 1119 and gusset panels1137, 1139 form a second end 1184 of the carton.

In one exemplary method of forming the blank 1103 into a carton 1105according to the twelfth embodiment, the front panel 1113 and the backpanel 1115 are folded with respect to the bottom panel 1111 to form aninterior space 1136 of the carton. The end flap 1117 and the gussetpanels cooperate to close a first end 1182 and the end flap 1119 andgusset panels 1167, 1139 cooperate to close a second end 1184. Thecarton 1105 may then be filled with food product F and inserted into orplaced inside the container C. Upon opening the container C, the carton1105 can be withdrawn and used as a serving tray to serve the foodproduct without having to remove the food product and place on aseparate tray. Alternatively, the food product F can be contained in thecarton 1105 by an overwrap material (not shown). The carton 1105 and theblank 1103 could have other features or could be otherwise shaped,arranged, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure, forexample the front panel 113 and the back panel 1115 may comprise curvedcorners or angular corners without departing from the disclosure.

FIGS. 43-45 show a blank 1203 used to form a carton 1205 of a thirteenthembodiment of the disclosure. The blank 1203 and carton 1205 are similarto the blank 1103 and carton 1105 of the twelfth embodiment and like orsimilar features have been assigned like or similar reference numbers.The carton 1205 of the thirteenth embodiment is shorter than the carton1105 so that two of the cartons 1205 fit into a single container C. Thecarton 1205 and the blank 1203 could have other features or could beotherwise shaped, arranged, and/or configured without departing from thedisclosure.

FIGS. 46-48 show a blank 1303 used to form a carton 1035 of a fourteenthembodiment of the disclosure. The blank 1303 includes a front panel1311, a first side panel 1313 foldably connected to the front panelalong line of weakening 1312, a second side panel 1315 foldablyconnected to the front panel along line of weakening 1314, a first backpanel 1317 foldably connected to the first side panel along fold line1316, and a second back panel 1319 foldably connected to the second sidepanel along fold line 1318. In one embodiment, the first side panel 1313and the second side panel 1315 include a plurality of fold lines 1332extending along at least a portion of the length of the panels. Endflaps 1340, 1342 are foldably connected to the front panel 1311 alongrespective longitudinal fold lines 1339, 1341, end flaps 1344, 1346 arefoldably connected to the first back panel 1317 along respectivelongitudinal fold lines 1343, 1345, and end flaps 1348, 1350 arefoldably connected to the second back panel 1319 along respectivelongitudinal fold lines 1347, 1349. The end flaps 1340, 1342, 1344, 1346have generally curved edges 1340 a, 1342 a, 1344 a, 1346 a and 1340 b,1342 b, 1344 b, 1346 b with a generally straight edge 1340 c, 1342 c,1344 c, 1346 c between the curved edges. The end flaps 1348, 1350 have acurved edge 1348 a, 1350 a that is adjacent a generally straight edge1348 c, 1350 c. The edge 1348 b, 1350 b of the end flaps 1348, 1350 alsocorrespond the free edge 1372 of the blank 1303.

In the illustrated embodiment, a dispenser panel 1351 defined by tearline 1352 comprises a portion of the front panel 1311, and the sidepanels 1313, 1315. The blank 1303 may comprise a tear strip 1355extending from the free edge 1370 to the opposite free edge 1372 of theblank. The first back panel 1317 may include a cutout 1361 havingoblique edges 1361 a, 1361 b and the tear strip may have a grip portion1367 at least partially defined in the cutout. The second back panel1319 can include oblique fold lines 1371 a 1371 b that correspondgenerally to the oblique edges 1361 a, 1361 b of the cutout 1361. Thetear strip 1355 can be used to initiate separation of the dispenserpanel 1351 from the carton 1305, or the dispenser panel 1351 could beotherwise shaped, arranged, and/or configured. The end flaps 1340, 1344,1348 close a top end 1383 of the carton 1305 and the end flaps 1342,1346, 1350 close a bottom end 1385 of the carton.

In one exemplary method of forming the blank 1303 into a carton 1305,the blank can be folded about fold lines 1312, 1314, 1315, 1318 so thatthe first back panel 1316 is positioned in an overlapped configurationand in face-to-face contact with the second back panel 1319 to form aninterior space 1336 of the carton 1305. The end flaps 1340, 1344, 1348cooperated to close a first end 1383 and the end flaps 1342, 1346, 1350cooperated to close a second end 1385. As shown in FIGS. 47-48, thecarton 1305 can be formed from the blank 1303 and can be used to holdfood products F in a stacked configuration. The side panels 1313, 1315may be curved to conform to the shape of the food product F. The tearstrip 1355 can be removed from the carton 1305 to initiate separation ofthe dispenser panel 1351 from the carton. The dispenser panel 1351 canbe removed to allow access to the food products F. The carton 1305 andthe blank 1303 could have other features or could be otherwise shaped,arranged, and/or configured without departing from the disclosure.

FIGS. 49 and 50 show a blank 1403 used to form a carton 1405 of afifteenth embodiment of the disclosure. The blank 1403 and carton 1045are similar to the blank 1303 and carton 1305 of the fourteenthembodiment and like or similar features have been assigned like orsimilar reference numbers. The carton 1405 and blank 1403 are wider thanthe fourteenth embodiment, so that the carton 1405 can accommodate twostacks of food products F. As illustrated in FIG. 49, the blank 1403also includes two dispenser panels 1451 a, 1451 b defined by tear lines1452 a, 1452 b. An attachment flap 1460 is foldably connected to thesecond back panel 1319 along lateral fold line 1461. The attachment flapmay have a first portion 1460 a foldably connected to a second portion1460 b along fold line 1466. The fold line 1466 may include twosemicircular cuts 1481. In one embodiment, a flap 1483 may be foldablyconnected to the first portion 1460 a along longitudinal fold line 1485.The carton 1405 and the blank 1403 could have other features or could beotherwise shaped, arranged, and/or configured without departing from thedisclosure.

In one exemplary method of forming the blank 1403 into a carton 1405,the blank can be folded about fold lines 1312, 1314, 1316, 1461 so thatthe first back panel 1317 is positioned in an overlapped configurationand in face-to-face contact with the second back panel 1319 andattachment flap 1460 to form an interior space of the carton 1405. Theend flaps 1340, 1344, 1348 cooperated to close a first end 1482 and theend flaps 1342, 1346, 1350 cooperated to close a second end 1484. Thetear strip 1355 can be removed from the carton 1405 to initiateseparation of the dispenser panels 1451 a, 1451 b from the carton. Thedispenser panel s 1451 a, 1451 b can be removed to allow access to thefood products F. The carton 1405 and the blank 1403 could have otherfeatures or could be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/or configuredwithout departing from the disclosure.

FIGS. 51 and 52 show a blank 1503 used to form a carton 1505 of asixteenth embodiment of the disclosure. The blank 1503 and carton 1505are similar to the blank 1303 and carton 1305 of the fourteenthembodiment and like or similar features have been assigned like orsimilar reference numbers. The carton 1505 and blank 1503 are shorterthan the fourteenth embodiment, so that the carton 1505 can accommodatea shorter stack of food products F. The carton 1505 and the blank 1503could have other features or could be otherwise shaped, arranged, and/orconfigured without departing from the disclosure.

FIGS. 53-54 show a blank 1603 used to form a carton 1605 of aseventeenth embodiment of the disclosure. The blank 1603 includes a toppanel 1609, a first front panel 1611 foldably connected to the top panelalong fold line 1612, a back panel 1613 foldably connected to the toppanel along fold line 1614, a bottom panel 1615 foldably connected tothe back panel along fold line 1616, and a second front panel 1617foldably connected to the bottom panel along fold line 1618. In oneembodiment, the top panel 1609 and the bottom panel 1615 include aplurality of fold lines 1609 a, 1609 b and 1615 a, 1615 b extendingalong at least a portion of the length of the panels. End flaps 1619,1621 are foldably connected to the top 1609 along respective fold lines1620, 1622. End flaps 1623, 1625 are foldably connected to the backpanel 1613 along respective fold lines 1624, 1626. End flaps 1627, 1629are foldably connected to the bottom panel 1615 along respective foldlines 1628, 1630 and end flaps 1631, 1633 are foldably connected to thesecond front panel 1617 along respective fold lines 1632, 1634.

In one embodiment, the end flaps 1619, 1621 have rounded corners 1619 a,1619 b and 1621 a, 1621 b and straight edges 1619 c, 1621 c extendingbetween the rounded corners 1619 a, 1621 a. The end flaps 1627, 1629have rounded corners 1627 a, 1629 a adjacent the bottom panel 1615 andfemale locking features (i.e., cuts) 1681. The end flaps 1623, 1625,1631, 1633 have male locking features 1682. The male locking featuresgenerally have a notch 1683 defining a hook portion 1684, and a roundedprotrusion 1686 opposite of the notch. When the blank is formed into acarton, the female locking features are configured to receive the malelocking features to hold the carton together. Also, the carton hascurved edges 1691, 1692, 1693, 1694 that generally extend from therespective fold lines 1609 a, 1609 b, 1615 a, 1615 b to the fold lines1612, 1614, 1616, 1618 and conform to the curvature of the edges 1619 a,1619 b, 1621 a, 1621 b, 1627 a, 1629 a of the end panels 1619, 1921,1627, 1629.

In one embodiment, the blank 103 includes features for forming adispenser 1651 for allowing access to the food products F inside thecarton. The dispenser features include a tear line 1655 in the top panel1609 and the first front panel 1611 that define a dispenser panel 1651.The dispenser features also may include an access opening 1656 in thefirst front panel. In one embodiment, the second front panel 1617 mayinclude a line of weakening 1668 generally corresponding to the portionof the dispenser in the first front panel. The end flaps 1619, 1623,1627, 1631 close a first end 1641 and the end flaps 1621, 1625, 1629,1633 close a second end 1643 of the carton 1605.

In one exemplary method of forming the blank 1603 into a carton 1605,the blank can be folded about fold lines 1616, 1618 and the male lockingfeatures are inserted into the female locking features to form aninterior space 1636 of the carton 1065. The blank is folded about foldlines 1612, 1614 so that the first front panel 1611 is positioned in anoverlapped configuration and in face-to-face contact with the secondfront panel 1617. The end flaps 1619, 1623, 1627, 1631 cooperated toclose a first end 1461 and the end flaps 1621, 1625, 1629, 1633cooperated to close a second end 1643. As shown in FIG. 54B, thedispenser 1651 can be removed from the carton 1605 to access the foodproducts F in the interior space 1636 of the carton. The carton 1605 hasrounded corners comprising portions of the top panel 1609 and portionsof the bottom panel 1615. In one embodiment, the food products F can beinitially packaged in groups and can be unpackaged and emptied in theinterior space 1636 of the carton 1605 for serving. Alternatively, thecarton 1605 could be configured to contain one or more containers C suchas the containers C shown in the earlier embodiments. The carton 1605and the blank 1603 could have other features or could be otherwiseshaped, arranged, and/or configured without departing from thedisclosure.

The blanks according to the present disclosure can be, for example,formed from coated paperboard and similar materials. For example, theinterior and/or exterior sides of the blanks can be coated with a claycoating. The clay coating may then be printed over with product,advertising, price coding, and other information or images. The blanksmay then be coated with a varnish to protect any information printed onthe blank. The blanks may also be coated with, for example, a moisturebarrier layer, on either or both sides of the blank. In accordance withthe above-described embodiments, the blanks may be constructed ofpaperboard of a caliper such that it is heavier and more rigid thanordinary paper. The blanks can also be constructed of other materials,such as cardboard, hard paper, or any other material having propertiessuitable for enabling the carton to function at least generally asdescribed herein. The blanks can also be laminated or coated with one ormore sheet-like materials at selected panels or panel sections.

In accordance with the above-described embodiments of the presentdisclosure, a fold line can be any substantially linear, although notnecessarily straight, form of weakening that facilitates foldingtherealong. More specifically, but not for the purpose of narrowing thescope of the present disclosure, fold lines include: a score line, suchas lines formed with a blunt scoring knife, or the like, which creates acrushed portion in the material along the desired line of weakness; acut that extends partially into a material along the desired line ofweakness, and/or a series of cuts that extend partially into and/orcompletely through the material along the desired line of weakness; andvarious combinations of these features.

As an example, a tear line can include: a slit that extends partiallyinto the material along the desired line of weakness, and/or a series ofspaced apart slits that extend partially into and/or completely throughthe material along the desired line of weakness, or various combinationsof these features. As a more specific example, one type tear line is inthe form of a series of spaced apart slits that extend completelythrough the material, with adjacent slits being spaced apart slightly sothat a nick (e.g., a small somewhat bridging-like piece of the material)is defined between the adjacent slits for typically temporarilyconnecting the material across the tear line. The nicks are brokenduring tearing along the tear line. The nicks typically are a relativelysmall percentage of the tear line, and alternatively the nicks can beomitted from or torn in a tear line such that the tear line is acontinuous cut line. That is, it is within the scope of the presentdisclosure for each of the tear lines to be replaced with a continuousslit, or the like. For example, a cut line can be a continuous slit orcould be wider than a slit without departing from the presentdisclosure.

The above embodiments may be described as having one or more panelsadhered together by glue during erection of the carton embodiments. Theterm “glue” is intended to encompass all manner of adhesives commonlyused to secure carton panels in place.

The foregoing description of the disclosure illustrates and describesvarious exemplary embodiments. Various additions, modifications,changes, etc., could be made to the exemplary embodiments withoutdeparting from the spirit and scope of the disclosure. It is intendedthat all matter contained in the above description or shown in theaccompanying drawings shall be interpreted as illustrative and not in alimiting sense. Additionally, the disclosure shows and describes onlyselected embodiments of the disclosure, but the disclosure is capable ofuse in various other combinations, modifications, and environments andis capable of changes or modifications within the scope of the inventiveconcept as expressed herein, commensurate with the above teachings,and/or within the skill or knowledge of the relevant art. Furthermore,certain features and characteristics of each embodiment may beselectively interchanged and applied to other illustrated andnon-illustrated embodiments of the disclosure.

What is claimed is:
 1. A carton comprising a plurality of panels thatextends at least partially around an interior of the carton; wherein ina first configuration of the carton, the carton contains at least onearticle containing a plurality of food products; the carton has featuresfor converting the carton to a second configuration wherein the cartonis converted to a serving tray for serving the plurality of foodproducts.
 2. The carton of claim 1, wherein the plurality of panelscomprises a bottom panel, a front panel foldably connected to the bottompanel, and a back panel foldably connected to the bottom panel.
 3. Thecarton of claim 2, wherein the plurality of panels further comprises afirst side panel foldably connected to the bottom panel and a secondside panel foldably connected to the bottom panel.
 4. The carton ofclaim 3, wherein the features comprise at least one corner flap foldablyconnected to one of the first side panel and the second side panel. 5.The carton of claim 3, wherein the features comprise at least one cornerflap foldably connected to one of the front panel and the back panel. 6.The carton of claim 4, further comprising at least one closure flapfoldably connected to one of the front panel and the back panel along afold line, wherein the first fold line comprises a cut.
 7. The carton ofclaim 6, wherein the at least one corner flap comprises a projection forbeing received in the cut.
 8. The carton of claim 7, wherein the atleast one corner flap comprises a first corner flap and a second cornerflap, and the projection comprises a first projection on the firstcorner flap and a second projection on the second corner flap.
 9. Thecarton of claim 8, wherein the at least one closure flap comprises afirst closure flap foldably connected to the front panel at a first foldline having a first cut and a second closure flap foldably connected tothe back panel at a second fold line having a second cut, the firstprojection is for being received in the first cut and the secondprojection is for being received in the second cut.
 10. The carton ofclaim 4, wherein the at least one corner flap comprises a projection andthe features comprise a cut in at least one of the front panel and theback panel, the projection is for being received in the cut.
 11. Thecarton of claim 2, wherein the front panel is foldably connected to thebottom panel at a first curved fold line and the back panel is foldablyconnected to the bottom panel at a second curved fold line.
 12. Thecarton of claim 2, wherein the carton further comprises a first end flapfoldably connected to the front panel and a second end flap foldablyconnected to the back panel, the first and second end flap being atleast partially overlapped to close a first end of the carton.
 13. Thecarton of claim 12, wherein the carton further comprises a third endflap foldably connected to the front panel and a fourth end flapfoldably connected to the back panel, the third and fourth end flapbeing at least partially overlapped to close a second end of the carton.14. The carton of claim 13, wherein the front panel has a first freeedge and the back panel has a second free edge; and the first free edgeis curved and extends between the first end flap and the third end flap,and the second free edge is curved and extends between the second endflap and the fourth end flap.
 15. The carton of claim 1, wherein theplurality of panels comprises a bottom panel and a plurality of sidepanels foldably connected to the bottom panel.
 16. The carton of claim15, wherein the bottom panel has eight sides and the plurality of sidepanels comprise a respective side panel foldably connected at each sideof the bottom panel.
 17. The carton of claim 16, wherein the side panelshave an arcuate shape and are separated by respective cuts.
 18. Thecarton of claim 17, wherein the side panels are for overlappingengagement in the second configuration of the carton.
 19. The carton ofclaim 15, further comprises a liner attached to the interior surface ofthe carton.
 20. A blank comprising a plurality of panels for forming aninterior of a carton formed from the blank; wherein in a firstconfiguration of the carton formed from the blank, the carton containsat least one article containing a plurality of food products; the cartonformed from the blank has features for converting the carton to a secondconfiguration wherein the carton is converted to a serving tray forserving the plurality of food products.
 21. The blank of claim 20,wherein the plurality of panels comprises a bottom panel, a front panelfoldably connected to the bottom panel, and a back panel foldablyconnected to the bottom panel.
 22. The blank of claim 21, wherein theplurality of panels further comprises a first side panel foldablyconnected to the bottom panel and a second side panel foldably connectedto the bottom panel.
 23. The blank of claim 22, wherein the featurescomprise at least one corner flap foldably connected to one of the firstside panel and the second side panel.
 24. The blank of claim 22, whereinthe features comprise at least one corner flap foldably connected to oneof the front panel and the back panel
 25. The blank of claim 23, furthercomprising at least one closure flap foldably connected to one of thefront panel and the back panel along a fold line, wherein the first foldline comprises a cut.
 26. The blank of claim 25, wherein the at leastone corner flap comprises a projection for being received in the cut.27. The blank of claim 26, wherein the at least one corner flapcomprises a first corner flap and a second corner flap, and theprojection comprises a first projection on the first corner flap and asecond projection on the second corner flap.
 28. The blank of claim 27,wherein the at least one closure flap comprises a first closure flapfoldably connected to the front panel at a first fold line having afirst cut and a second closure flap foldably connected to the back panelat a second fold line having a second cut, the first projection is forbeing received in the first cut and the second projection is for beingreceived in the second cut when the blank is formed into the carton. 29.The blank of claim 23, wherein the at least one corner flap comprises aprojection and the features comprise a cut in at least one of the frontpanel and the back panel, the projection is for being received in thecut when the blank is formed into the carton.
 30. The blank of claim 21,wherein the front panel is foldably connected to the bottom panel at afirst curved fold line and the back panel is foldably connected to thebottom panel at a second curved fold line.
 31. The blank of claim 21,wherein the front panel and the back panel are foldably connected to thebottom panel, and the blank further comprises a first end flap foldablyconnected to the front panel and a second end flap foldably connected tothe back panel, the first and second end flap are for being at leastpartially overlapped to close a first end of the carton when the cartonis formed from the blank.
 32. The blank of claim 31, wherein the blankfurther comprises a third end flap foldably connected to the front paneland a fourth end flap foldably connected to the back panel, the thirdand fourth end flap are for being at least partially overlapped to closea second end of the carton when the carton is formed from the blank. 33.The blank of claim 32, wherein the front panel has a first free edge andthe back panel has a second free edge; and the first free edge is curvedand extends between the first end flap and the third end flap, and thesecond free edge is curved and extends between the second end flap andthe fourth end flap.
 34. The blank of claim 20, wherein the plurality ofpanels comprises a bottom panel and a plurality of side panels foldablyconnected to the bottom panel.
 35. The blank of claim 34, wherein thebottom panel has eight sides and the plurality of side panels comprise arespective side panel foldably connected at each side of the bottompanel.
 36. The blank of claim 34, wherein the side panels have anarcuate shape and are separated by respective cuts.
 37. The blank ofclaim 35, wherein the side panels are for being in an overlappingengagement in the second configuration of the carton when the carton isformed from the blank.
 38. The blank of claim 34, further comprises aliner attached to the interior surface of the blank.
 39. A method offorming a carton that is positionable between a first configuration anda second configuration, the method comprising obtaining a cartoncomprising a plurality of panels and positioning the carton in the firstconfiguration wherein the plurality of panels extends at least partiallyaround an interior of the carton; placing at least one articlecontaining a plurality of food products in the interior of the carton inthe first configuration; activating features of the carton to positionthe carton in a second configuration wherein the at least one article isremoved from the interior and the carton is converted to a serving trayfor serving the plurality of food products.
 40. The method of claim 39,wherein the plurality of panels further comprises a bottom panel, afront panel foldably connected to the bottom panel, a back panelfoldably connected to the bottom panel, a first side panel foldablyconnected to the bottom panel, a second side panel foldably connected tothe bottom panel, and at least one corner flap foldably connected to oneof the first side panel and the second side panel.
 41. The method ofclaim 39, wherein the carton further comprising at least one closureflap foldably connected to one of the front panel and the back panelalong a fold line, and at least one corner flap foldably connected toone of the first side panel and the second side panel, wherein the firstfold line comprises a cut, the at least one corner flap comprises afirst corner flap, a second corner flap, and a projection for beingreceived in the cut, and the projection comprises a first projection onthe first corner flap and a second projection on the second corner flap,the at least one closure flap comprises a first closure flap foldablyconnected to the front panel at a first fold line having a first cut anda second closure flap foldably connected to the back panel at a secondfold line having a second cut; and the method further comprisespositioning the first projection in the first cut and the secondprojection in the second cut.
 42. The method of claim 39, wherein theplurality of panels comprises a bottom panel, a front panel is foldablyconnected to the bottom panel at a first curved fold line and a backpanel is foldably connected to the bottom panel at a second curved foldline.
 43. The method of claim 39, wherein the plurality of panelscomprises a bottom panel, a front panel foldably connected to the bottompanel, and a back panel foldably connected to the bottom panel, and thecarton further comprises a first end flap foldably connected to thefront panel, a second end flap foldably connected to the back panel, athird end flap foldably connected to the front panel and a fourth endflap foldably connected to the back panel; the front panel has a firstfree edge and the back panel has a second free edge; and the first freeedge is curved and extends between the first end flap and the third endflap, and the second free edge is curved and extends between the secondend flap and the fourth end flap and the method further comprises atleast partially overlapping the first and second end flap to close afirst end of the carton and at least partially overlapping the third andfourth end flap to close a second end of the carton.
 44. The method ofclaim 39, wherein the plurality of panels comprises a bottom panel, aplurality of side panels foldably connected to the bottom panel, and aliner attached to the interior surface of the carton, the bottom panelhas eight sides and the plurality of side panels comprise a respectiveside panel foldably connected at each side of the bottom panel, the sidepanels have an arcuate shape and are separated by respective cuts; andthe method further comprises positioning the side panels in overlappingengagement.